This time, I will be illustrating a fellow named Elias Morris. Here is the description for the project’s Facebook event:

Elias Morris was a young stone mason in Wales, after serving his apprenticeship under the guidance of his father, hired himself out to the contractor of the Conway Castle and the Conway Bridge. This work completed, he went to Liverpool to gain a wider experience in his trade. Upon returning to Wales a year or so later to visit his folks, he heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, was converted, and soon started on the long journey to Zion. Reaching Council Bluffs in May, 1852, he met his betrothed, who had preceded him to this country. They were married and immediately started on their trip across the plains. At Independence Rock, Wyoming, the young stone mason had the first urge to ply his trade. He took his chisel from his bag and carved in everlasting letters: ELIAS MORRIS and his wife, MARY P. MORRIS. Hundreds of names are scratched upon that Register of the Desert—some still legible—but the expert carving of his name earned for him the title “first stone cutter of Utah.”
He became a famous tombstone maker which more is written about he and his company.

I hope you enjoy our little photo shoot. The Flea can be quite the prima donna. He even managed to frighten me a few times, popping out from crafty hiding places. But he made a few friends along the way, so that’s sweet. I just hope he doesn’t try to corrupt and/or eat them!!!

Soon, you’ll be able to procure your own sinister companion when my online store (thepoetandtheflea.storenvy.com) opens at the end of this month!

Firstly, I just wanted to thank everyone for their interest in The Flea plush toy. My previous post on this subject received 72 likes so far and a number of very enthusiastic comments — all very much appreciated!

I’d also like to thank my mom for all her help because she certainly has more sewing skills than I do!

I’ve been working on this project for many months now, and it has only just recently come into fruition. We went through many different ideas and designs. But I think, in the end, we’ve hit upon something really great — simultaneously scary and cute!

Below are some highlights of The Flea’s journey…

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Wasn’t 100% happy with the black felt material we originally picked out. So went back to Britex to find a better fabric. Found this relatively inexpensive pseudo black velvet that hopefully will work better. Can’t wait to cut it out to see how it looks.

The Flea Prototype #1

Tried making a prototype tonight, but didn’t really turn out as expected. Doesn’t look bad, just not perfect. Going to go back to the drawing board and exaggerate The Flea‘s features even more for the next try.

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Thought it might be best to try another approach for the second prototype. One of my original ideas for The Flea plush toy was to make a modified sock monkey. This way, we can achieve The Flea’s head, body, and long limbs and then add details like horns with the felt. Will look into buying some socks!

Today — Elena, Laura and I explored the William Blake historic sites. We met at Piccadilly Circus and walked over to Saint James’s Church, where Blake was baptized. The baptismal font is still there, with very intricate carvings of Adam and Eve. It’s amazing to think that Blake was once a baby who could fit in that font!

St. James’s Church.

A Blake quote welcoming visitors of St. James’s.

Another side of St. James’s.

The baptismal font.

Closeup of the baptismal font.

Inside St. James’s.

A different angle inside St. James’s.

Then, we took a double-decker bus through the city all the way across the Thames to Battersea to visit Saint Mary’s Church were Blake and Catherine were married. We almost got lost since there were a number of similar churchs in the area, but we managed to find the right one. The ladies in the church were a bit confused at first by our presence. But when I told them that we are Blake enthusiasts, they immediately understood.

Inside the double-decker bus!

St. Mary’s Church Battersea

View across the Thames.

Inside St. Mary’s.

Inside St. Mary’s: stained-glass window commemorating Blake.

Detail of stained glass.

Another detail of stained glass.

After that, we went to visit Blake’s grave at Bunhill Fields. It was a very old but charming cemetary, and it was fascinating watching them in the process of restoring some of the old crypts and tombstones. I left a simple offering at Blake’s gravestone — an apple — and also explored the green where Blake’s physical body is supposed to have been buried (I believe The Friends of William Blake are trying to raise money and/or petition for a special monument at Blake’s actual burial site).

Then, we went to visit Westminster Abbey. Here, I unfortunately got separated from Elena and Laura, and we couldn’t find each other again.😦 But I’m glad I went, even though it was a bit overwhelming to take in. I especially enjoyed the Poets’ Corner where I saw commemorations to Lord Byron, Lewis Carroll and Blake among others.

Big Ben/Elizabeth Tower.

Approaching Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abbey!

I spy the London Eye!

The absolute highlight of my day — and possibly even my trip — was the British Museum’s Department of Prints and Drawings. I didn’t get to see all that much of the museum proper, but inside this department I was allowed to handle and examine an original print of Blake’s Songs of Innocence and of Experience. When I say “prints,” I mean a copy made by Blake himself on his own printing press!! I was able to see many of my favorite poems — “The Tyger,” “The Fly,” “The Sick Rose,” etc. The prints are indescribably complex and beautiful, and surprisingly tiny. It was amazing rereading these poems as they were originally meant to be read! After that, I enjoyed afternoon tea at the museum for a surprisingly reasonable price. And I ate every last sandwich, cake, and scone.😀

Inside The British Museum.

Afternoon tea is about to commence.

Now I feel that my trip is complete.

I ate every last crumb!

Scones and clotted cream.

That was fun!

See ya’ later, British Museum!

Tomorrow, back to San Francisco!

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Above is the last entry of the journal I wrote during my Cannes/London trip.

Overall, this trip was an amazing experience and I’m glad I was able to do almost everything I planned to.

I met so many amazing people along the way and was inspired by everything I encountered.